Tuesday, September 28, 2010

King of kings

KING OF KINGS
Revelation 19:9-20:2
V.9: “Then the angel said to me, ‘Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’”

John continues, “I scribbled frantically when commanded to write, not wanting to miss one word. All Christians are invited to Jesus’ (God’s Lamb) wedding supper! And you’ll also be a warrior in His army (Revelation 5:10, 19:7).

“The angel scolded me when I fell down at his feet to worship (I was overwhelmed, you see). He said, ‘Get up, John—I’m a fellow servant of God—with you and your brothers and sisters who hold to Jesus’ testimony. Worship God only! What you’re seeing now is His testimony in the spirit of prophecy.’” (See also John’s Discovery and Exalted Jesus devotions). John continues:

“A white horse burst before my eyes. His rider was called ‘Faithful and True’. He’s come to make war, judging peoples and nations. His eyes blaze fire, and many crowns cover His head.
“He’s dressed in a robe dipped in blood. His name is ‘Word of God.’ Heaven’s armies follow Him, each warrior clothed in white linen and riding a white horse. A sharp sword came out of His mouth—His weapon to strike down the nations. His trail is the wrath and fury of God Almighty. On His robe and thigh are the words: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. I saw an angel standing in the sun crying out, ‘Come, gather together for the great supper of God!’

“Then I saw the beast—(Antichrist) with the kings of the earth, and their armies riding towards the Lamb of God and His armies—to make war! I watched, horrified, but unable to hide my eyes.
“The beast was captured. He and his sidekick, the false prophet, were tossed alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. Everyone who’d taken the beast’s mark were killed with the sword that came out of Jesus’ mouth.
“The birds gorged themselves on the dead.
“Then, another angel came down from heaven holding the key to the Abyss (a-BISS, means a gorge, or bottomless pit), attached to a great chain. He seized the dragon, (that serpent named Satan), and bound him for a thousand years.”

Take Home Nugget

The antichrist is a man who rises to prominence (PROM-in-enz means importance, celebrity status) on earth, deceiving many (1John 2:18, 2John v.7).

The mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16-18) was ordered on every person to be on their right hand or forehead. It is 666.

Before Jesus comes to literally reign on earth, we can exalt him when He reigns inside our hearts.

Creator’s plan 4 U is discovered when living under Christ’s authority.

J.D. Griffith
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Friday, September 24, 2010

Exalted Jesus

EXALTED JESUS
Revelation 5:1-14
Vv.2-3: “And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it.’”


Refer to John’s Discovery devotion that explains why Jesus’ disciple, John, wrote the book Revelation. John doesn’t see the Jesus he knew on earth during his command-visit in heaven. John’s appointment was for the strict purpose of telling us everything he saw and heard. Chapters 2-4 in Revelation expose what was written in the letters to the churches. Now John’s in heaven’s throne room.

“Someone sitting in the throne held a scroll in his right hand. There was writing on both sides of the scrolled parchment, and it was closed with seven seals. A mighty angel came to the lectern and addre

ssed the entire universe: ‘Who is worthy to break these seals and read from this scroll?’

“The silence penetrating into everyone’s soul was bleak. So vast, utterly empty. The seconds ticked on, and no one replied; no one stood up to take the scroll from the man’s hand. I fell to my knees, then prostrate on the floor, weeping. I wept like a baby. Suddenly, one of the elders touched my shoulder.

“‘Stop weeping, John. Stand up now. There IS someone who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll! The Lion of Judah, the Root of David is victorious. Only He is able to open the scroll and break its seven seals!’ Whew! I smiled from ear-to-ear.



“Then I saw a bloody lamb standing in the center of the throne room. The 4 living creatures, along with the 24 elders encircled him. His seven eyes represent the seven spirits of God which are sent out into all the earth. He came and took the scroll from the right hand of the one sitting on the throne. Immediately, the 4 living creatures and 24 elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and held a golden bowl full of incense. (Prayers of the saints.)


“All together, they sang a new song that proclaimed the LAMB is worthy to take the scroll and open the seals BECAUSE He was slain. It was HIS BLOOD that purchased men for God—from every tribe and language—people from every nation.

“He’ll make them into a kingdom with priests to serve God, and will reign on earth.”

Take Home Nugget

John’s dramatic vision is of our exalted Lord Jesus, who’s now in heaven. Here, Jesus is Lord of His Church. As High Priest, He watches over His children—preserving, protecting, and scolding.


Exalted Jesus Lamb of God is our future!


J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

John's Discovery

JOHN’S DISCOVERY
Revelation 1:9-20
Vv. 1-2: “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

If you think of Jesus as a baby in the manger, the guy who washed disciples’ feet at the last supper, or even as the man crucified on the cross, keep in mind His ascension. Then imagine John’s discovery below:

“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the end is near” Jesus declares. “I am the Alpha and Omega, Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come, the Almighty.”
“Hi. I’m John, your brother and fellow sojourner (so-JURN-er, meaning traveling companion) suffering in this world with patient endurance—that we claim in Jesus. I was a prisoner on the island Patmos because I dared preach the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. Somehow, I was caught up in the Spirit to the highest heaven. The first thing I heard was a loud voice, like a trumpet commanding me to write down everything I see and send it to the seven churches.








“The churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea are the targets for letters of caution, warning, and criticism. I faced seven lamp stands, and the Son of Man dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet. A golden sash draped his chest. His head and hair were like white-as-snow wool. His eyes were blazing fire.

“His feet were like bronze glowing bright red-brown, as though searing in a furnace. His voice sounded like rushing waters. He held seven stars in His right hand. Out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face shone more brilliantly than the sun.

“That’s when I fainted.”

Take Home Nugget

“The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands stand for seven angels and the afore-named seven churches.”

Even I can figure out why Jesus summoned John, the disciple He loved, to see and record first-hand His revelation glory. John saw Jesus every day, walked with Him, witnessing miracles, heard His scolding others. John, alongside Jesus’ Mother Mary, wept at Jesus’ feet when He was dying on the cross. If I couldn’t believe John’s account of Jesus’ revelation, I wouldn’t believe anyone’s! This is John’s discovery to us of King Jesus.
Scary things are the most profound. It’s really scary is what happens to those who don’t believe.

J.D. Griffith

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Friday, September 17, 2010

Apostle Paul's Playbook

APOSTLE PAUL’S PLAYBOOK
1Corinthians 15:9-10
The Message: “I don’t deserve to be included in the inner circle, as you well know, having spent all those years trying my best to stamp God’s church right out of existence. But because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I’m not about to let His grace go to waste. Haven’t I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn’t amount to much. It was God giving me the work to do, God giving me the energy to do it.”

“King Agrippa said to Paul. “I don’t know why we should listen to a flip-flopper. First you persecuted those who followed Jesus, and now your preaching is passionate about Him—even including the Gentiles!” (Acts 26 4-23).

HUMILITY: “Thank you for hearing my justification, O King. It is true that I’m a changed man today, from how I behaved so dreadfully before. It’s all God’s work in me, and by His grace—that was sufficient for saving a sinner like me, I offer it to everyone as proof—adequate for saving them!

OBLIGATION: “I never lose sight of how far this grace has brought me, and my gratitude for salvation from my former life never fades. My urgency to praise the Lord in front of witnesses is my privilege of serving a most awesome God. I gladly endure turmoil and heartache of travel to spread His Word far and wide.

DEPENDENCE: “By the grace of God I am what I am—not earned from my instruction and achieving the position of Pharisee—but totally dependent on God for everything. My goodness is like dirt compared to the riches of God’s abundant faithfulness! Oh that you see a large Jesus and a tiny Paul when looking at me. (Acts 26:5, Philippians 3:8).

CONFIDENCE: “I am as certain as I know that I’m standing here before you that Jesus is real, and alive. Standing at God’s right hand in heaven, He’s in charge, and worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. And He WILL come back!”

Can you see Paul’s resolve? This is how all God’s kids are being conformed. (See previous devotions Fellowship Buddies, Amazing Promise, Spiritual Ears, and Chiseling Grace.) Can you see yourself in Paul yet? What does sanctification mean to you?

Take Home Nugget

Paul’s playbook offers us simple ways to copy his attitude: Humility, Obligation, Dependence, Confidence. Let’s praise God for all He has done for us, and get busy working for His kingdom. Let’s not let His grace—poured out in our lives—be wasted as unproductive, or worse, worthless.

When all you have is God, you have all that you’ll ever need.

J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Chiseling Grace

CHISELING GRACE
Romans 28-30
V. 31: “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Adair, and his two buddies Chester and Brian—all 4th graders—ganged up on the underclassmen Greg and Timmy, in 3rd, and Marshall—2nd grade. “So you want pointers on playing soccer?” Adair asked, kicking Marshall in his shins. “First off: don’t challenge guys bigger than yourself!” (See Spiritual Ears devotion).

Chester and Brian kicked the ball back and forth to each other across the field. Greg, Timmy, and Marshall chased after the ball, failing to intercept it. Timmy put his hands up, yelling, “Huddle up!”

Everybody froze.
Timmy whispered, his arms around Marshall and Greg, “We’ve got to play man-to-man. Everyone defend one opponent.”

Greg went up to Brian, addressing Marshall. “Watch and copy how I defend, and try stealing the ball by kicking it to your teammates.”

God’s predestined every believer to be conformed into the likeness of His Son, Jesus. This process begins the moment a person accepts Jesus as Savior, and continues until we join Him in heaven. How does this conforming take place? We become like Jesus one chisel strike at a time—with God’s grace replacing our sin nature—into a righteous spirit. No wonder sanctification takes an entire lifetime!

God uses every one of our failures to demonstrate His patience. Our conscience advises us of sin, and when we repent of that sin, we grow a tiny bit more righteousness—closer to being conformed into Jesus’ image. Each chisel strike only hurts our pride. The point is that no one can sin beyond God’s capacity to forgive, and His grace affords us another chance.

This two-on-two (with one man as goalie on each side) soccer game ended with recess’ bell ringing. Adair said to Marshall, “Hope I didn’t hurt you when we began.”

“Naw, that’s what the guards are for.”

“I hear you’re a diver.”

“Yes, I’m better in the pool than the soccer field.”

“For a runt, you’re not half bad…and you defended Chester very well.”

“Thanks, Adair…and thanks for your patience, showing me how to play better.”

“No problem…Want to continue this tomorrow?”

Amazing Promise devotion shows how Adair, Brian, and Chester first felt about Marshall. They ridiculed him and wanted him to leave their school. Chisel, chisel, chisel. Now they’re getting to know him. Even as a second-grader, could they become friends with Marshall?

Take Home Nugget

Our heavenly Father continues shaping his kids, using His chisel to carve a masterpiece…until He sees Jesus when looking at us. Do you remember that apostle Paul went from sinner to saint? See Acts 26:10-11.

The Great Physician holds the cure
Chiseling out the virus of sin.
Jesus’ atoning blood is pure
Sanctifying us whole from within.

J.D. Griffith
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Friday, September 10, 2010

Spiritual Ears

SPIRITUAL EARS
2Timothy 2:20-25
The Message vv. 24-25: “Refuse to get involved in inane discussions; they always end up in fights. God’s servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool, working firmly but patiently with those who refuse to obey. You never know when God will sober them up with a change of heart…”

Marshall found Adair and his buddies outside at recess. “Hey, want to play soccer? Maybe you could give me some pointers?” (See Amazing Promise devotion).

“You’re not a natural at soccer?” Adair scoffed…“Your ‘big brothers’ are coming to save your sorry butt—again.”

Marshall turned to see Greg and Timmy coming towards them. “Hi Guys! Why don’t we all go to the soccer field?”

“You and your friends are bigger than us, Adair” Greg said, looking at them. “Aren’t you scared we’ll beat you?” Greg dared.

Adair looked to his friends, who nodded, and said, “No way!”

Ms. Gooden warned them, “Guys, play like gentlemen. If I see the bigger ones roughing up the smaller boys, I’ll immediately stop your play.” She kicked the soccer ball out on the field. “First put on shin guards from the shed.”

“Why do you need soccer advice?” Adair asked Marshall as everyone donned protective gear.

“I’m not a ‘natural’ at this game, as you thought. I just want to learn how to play better.”
“Well, you can kick the ball, can’t you?” Adair challenged.
Marshall, Timmy, and Greg already shared their faith in God with each other. (See Sure Victory and Emily’s Jesus devotions). How will they behave when interacting with others who may not have accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation—where God’s work in us is just beginning? After salvation, listening to God with spiritual ears directs our growth in sanctification (sank-tif-i-KA-shon means to be set apart from the world by God, for His purposes).
This process teaches God’s kids how to live righteously, serve Him with good works, and hold one another accountable (ak-KOUNT-a-ble means responsible to). When we listen with our spiritual ears, our Father reminds us daily to use everything we do for good. Sanctification takes an entire lifetime to achieve, but our growth broadcasts God’s glory.

Why did Marshall approach the same guy—who was mean to him—requesting that they play soccer together? Wasn’t he afraid Adair would poke fun at him, and refuse? What gave Marshall the confidence to set himself up for potential failure?

Take Home Nugget


Marshall didn’t ignore God’s small voice about healing the still-exposed wound from their previous conflict. He heard—obeying God’s urge—sure that he was in safe hands.

What a waste it would be if we tackle life without guidance from above.

J.D. Griffith
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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Amazing Promise

AMAZING PROMISE
James 4:6-10
The Message vv. 7-8: “So let God work His will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and He’ll be there in no time…Quit playing the field.”

“Alien! Why don’t you go home to Mexico? We don’t want your kind here!” a group of kids insulted Marshall.

Marshall, eyes wide, began defending himself, “I’m every bit American as you are!”

“Hey buddy” Greg appeared, draping his arm around Marshall’s shoulders. “What’s wrong guys, can’t you stand another American whose suntan is darker than yours?” Greg said, challenging the older kids who disrespected Marshall during their combined K-4th grade recess.

“He’s not American!” the first barked.

“Aren’t you Adair? Where did you come from? Turkey?” Greg barked back. “Marshall’s more American than you are…even his name is American! Why don’t you dare him to a game of soccer instead of attacking his race!”

“Or why don’t you try making friends with him instead of pointing out your differences?” Timmy asked, stepping between the two groups.

“I’d rather we duke things out at the swimming pool” Marshall countered. “I’d kick all your butts off a high diving board.”

Timmy led Greg and Marshall to the soccer field. “You can play soccer, right?” he whispered to Marshall as they stood watching the pick-up game.

“Yeah, a little…soccer was the reason my Dad got me diving lessons. I’d rather be back at the pool right now. Thanks guys, for coming through with the big brother act.” (See Garlic and Diamonds devotion).

Their first day back in school, Greg and Timmy’s 3rd grade was across the hall from Marshall’s 2nd grade classroom. The friendship they forged the last weeks of Summer carried, as promised, into school. Greg and Timmy knew Marshall would get grief from the kids because of his race, and vowed to protect him. (See For God—Blesses Me devotion).

There is no room for self-sufficiency (relying on oneself) or self-protection in a person’s interaction with God. Only humility and dependence finds God’s kids in the middle of His presence of total sufficiency (suf-FISH-N-cy, meaning capable ability). It is God Himself Who reaches out to us first—before we accept His promise of being near—in every occasion.
“Act? No way!” Greg and Timmy defended their rescue of Marshall. “We promised that we’d protect you, and we will—we’re bros, right?”

Take Home Nugget
The three boys shared their faith during a time of trouble (See Sure Victory devotion). After putting their faith in God, they enjoy His provision and protection. See how God leads His kids to help each other out?

Never presume someone’s an enemy, but trust God’s lead when making new friends.

J.D. Griffith
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Friday, September 3, 2010

Fellowship Buddies

FELLOWSHIP BUDDIES
1John 1:3
“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.”

Greg squinted his eyes looking at the sun. “I wonder what it takes for Jesus to make a personal appearance—like His visiting Emily?” (See Emily’s Jesus devotion).

“A near-death experience?” Timmy offered.

“Em’s been talking about Jesus ever since yesterday” Marshall said. “Mom said she wasn’t breathing when she tried waking her—I suppose Emily DID have a near-death experience.”
“So weird!” Greg said. “What Emily said happened yesterday definitely shows how close we all are to death…right?”
“It taught me how close Jesus is to us! That makes me want to please Him” Timmy said. Shaking his head, as if to shake off the feeling, he added, “creepy too. In some ways it’s like someone’s always looking over my shoulder.”

“Big brother’s watching” Greg said, nodding. “I always wondered what that means whenever someone says that—do they mean Jesus is our big brother?”

“Not exactly, Greg” Timmy said. “I think the saying came from a book(1). But it could easily mean Jesus—He is our big brother.” (Mark 3:35).

“Break time’s over, bros. Let’s get back into the water” Greg said, tossing his fudgesicle stick into the trashcan.

Following Greg to the high diving board’s ladder, Marshall asked Timmy, “Don’t you ever want to do something bad?”

“Of course!” Timmy admitted. “Sometimes, when I do something bad, I always feel so guilty afterwards—it just doesn’t seem worth the effort.”

“How do you resist doing bad things?” Marshall wondered. “It’s so tempting!”

“Maybe it’s how Emily feels now—feeling Jesus’ eyes looking at her all the time” Timmy suggested.

“Yeah, I think she does.” Marshall chuckled. “I think she’ll never do bad things—that could be very good for me!”

“I’m so jealous of Emily. Seeing Jesus, for real, is something I’d never forget” Timmy sighed. “His presence is real enough to me, I suppose. I always feel like I’ve got a buddy.”

(1) Big Brother reference comes from George Orwell’s novel, 1984.

Take Home Nugget

We were designed to have sweet fellowship with God the Father and Jesus. Timmy gives us all a hint that keeping Jesus’ presence by his side at all times prevents him from doing bad things—reminding Timmy who he serves. Should Tim forget, the Holy Spirit reminds his conscience that Jesus is Lord over his life. Won’t you trust Jesus to be your fellowship buddy, too?

We’re wise to flee from sin when tempted—
Only a fool would stay.
Let’s choose to not toy with evil
Knowing that sin doesn’t pay.

J.D. Griffith
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